James 3:17-18
Always In His Presence!
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver, ” Proverbs 25:11 declares across the ages. Words of encouragement and favorite Bible Verses, particularly from trusted and very valued Sisters and Brothers in the faith, are also like gold and silver to your Pastor’s ears.
Sister Pauline Rogers recently shared in one of her precious cards, a favorite Bible Verse, Psalm 90:14, “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” “I say it very morning,” she explained. Sister Pauline knows something that I’m about to share with my Depews Chapel Flock: You all, each and every one of you, ministers mightily to your minister!
During these very strange and troubling times, we all need one another’s healing touch. Although we cannot actually physically touch, in consideration of prudent health practices, we can freely share our thoughts, our prayers, our love, and favorite Bible verses. Only in heaven’s final accounting will we know how valuable we are, and have been, to each other!
This fact becomes increasingly important as we look forward in the life and times of our Christian fellowship. While one day anticipating an effective vaccine for COVID-19, maintaining church for us will remain a work under construction.
Our present telephone conference-style worship service is well received (with many thanks to my very technically proficient Bride, Julie Ware,) and your faithful financial stewardship is keeping the bills paid.
Brother Jackie Strickler’s on-going work attending to the church building is progressing very well! Additionally, the excellent maintenance of our cemetery has contributed to its being a credit to our community. Overall, we’re doing the business of Jesus’ Church at Depews Chapel United Methodist well!
But the accomplishment of all of these positive and necessary tasks pales in light of our first mandate among all else, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:33.
Yes, Sister Pauline has it right, as she wrote “I remind myself that God is in control, and we’re always in His presence.”
Absolutely! And as Brother Jackie’s teaching from the Book of James blesses our Eternal Souls, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated (asking for something,) full of mercy and good works, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace,” James 3:17-18.
And the peace of God IS keeping our hearts and minds safely in Jesus Christ our Saviour, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1st Thessalonians 4:18!
“Link to YouTube Video – Psalm 34″
